PUGET SOUND, Wash. – Marine conservationists are celebrating Ellison the elephant seal’s 7th birthday.
Orca Network says Ellison’s mother Ellie was the first documented northern elephant seal in central Puget Sound.
She gave birth to Ellison on March 21st, 2015 on South Whidbey Island and the population in the region continues to grow.
But the species is endangered and protected under the Marine Protection Act.
People must stay at least 100 yards away from northern elephant seals.
Violations can bring an $11,000 fine, but the animals are huge and dangerous so it’s just practical to give them plenty of space.